A 65-year-old woman has been killed by a shark while taking part in her regular morning swim at Orient Beach in KuGompo City, South Africa. Janine Lochrenberg was attacked at around 8am on Tuesday while swimming with her open water swimming club, in what is being described as the country's first fatal shark attack of the year.

Lochrenberg was bitten on her thigh and upper arm. Despite being brought to shore by fellow swimmers, it is understood she bled out in the water. She was wearing a magnetic shark repellent band on her ankle at the time of the attack.

Sister witnessed the attack from the water

Lochrenberg's sister Margot was in the water when the attack occurred. She said Janine "loved the water so much" and was well aware there had been an elevated shark presence at the beach, which was formerly known as East London Beach. "She had a deep affinity with the water and was a remarkable person," Margot said.

The type and size of the shark involved have not yet been determined, and an investigation is underway. Orient Beach and the nearby Eastern Beach have both been closed since the incident. Municipal spokesperson Luzuko Buku confirmed the attack and urged beachgoers to avoid entering the water while authorities investigate. He noted the last fatal shark attack in the area occurred in 1997.

"We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident that has happened here at our Orient Beach, where a swimmer, a recreational swimmer, was attacked clearly by a shark, and certainly they lost their lives," Mr Buku said.

Tributes from swimming community and beyond

The East London Open Water Swimming Group shared a heartfelt tribute to Lochrenberg on social media, describing her as a "dear friend" who left an "enormous hole" in their community. The group said she preferred to quietly pursue what she loved rather than seek recognition.

"The ocean was Janine's happy place. It was where she found her joy, and where so many of us were fortunate enough to share special moments with her," the group wrote. "We will remember her beautiful smile, her gentle kindness, and the quiet but meaningful presence she brought to our swimming family."

Her partner, Barbara Briceland, remembered Lochrenberg as "highly intelligent, lots of fun, kind, in a quietish way, thoughtful, well-loved with a love of life." Ms Briceland noted that the two had been planning to set off on a three-week road trip together. She also described Lochrenberg as a confident and capable swimmer who regularly ventured out beyond the break.

A life of science, music and community

In addition to her passion for open water swimming, Janine Lochrenberg was a retired medical physicist and a dedicated musician. She played the viola and was a founding member of a music ensemble, which also paid tribute following news of her death.

"As a highly gifted musician, her contribution on the viola brought great value to our ensemble," the group wrote. "Though quiet and unassuming, she kept us on our toes and continually pushed us to reach the highest standards of music possible. Janine will be greatly missed."

Beach closures and ongoing investigation

Authorities have kept Orient Beach and Eastern Beach closed as investigators work to establish further details about the attack. Mr Buku confirmed the municipality is treating the matter seriously and cautioned the public against swimming in the affected area until further notice.

The attack has drawn widespread attention given the presence of an elevated number of sharks in the area in the lead-up to the incident. The fact that Lochrenberg was wearing a shark repellent device at the time has raised further questions about the effectiveness of such technology in open water conditions.

Lochrenberg is being remembered by those who knew her as someone who contributed quietly but meaningfully to every community she was part of, whether in the ocean, the laboratory or the concert hall.